The Wright Valley Trio and Blackstaff stream their split EP »Bitter Altar«, available now on CD and digital

German doom/sludge/post-black metal trio The Wright Valley Trio and US blackened doom/sludge band Blackstaff teamed up for a split EP, »Bitter Altar«, which was released on December 19th, 2023.

Tracklist:
01. The Wright Valley Trio – L@t
02. Blackstaff – Fireball
03. Blackstaff – Wisdom

»Bitter Altar«: A dark symphony of collaboration between The Wright Valley Trio and Blackstaff unveils a profound exploration of existence!

December 19, 2023 marks the release date for the highly anticipated collaboration EP »Bitter Altar«, the haunting lyrical depth of »Wisdom«, »L@t«, and »Fireball« stand out as profound explorations of existence. The collaborative effort between The Wright Valley Trio and Blackstaff promises a sonic journey into the abyss, encompassing doom metal, funeral doom and sludge.

Order »Bitter Altar« here:
wrightvalley.bandcamp.com/album/bitter-altar

The Wright Valley Trio’s »L@t«: A descent into despair

»L@t«, presented by The Wright Valley Trio, offers a descent into the depths of despair. With lyrics exploring numbness, self-destruction, and the emptiness of existence, the song creates massive walls of sound that resonate with heavy riffs. The desolate landscapes depicted in the lyrics mirror the barrenness of one of the most inhospitable places on Earth, the Wright Valley in Antarctica.

Blackstaff’s »Fireball«: A chilling exploration of horror and destruction

»Fireball«, a chilling narrative presented by Blackstaff, reveals a story blackened by the flames of an inquisition. The lyrics echo a budding acceptance of the destructive nature of humanity, painting a vivid picture of the beauty found in all-consuming fire. With a powerful and atmospheric blend of blackened doom and aggressive heavy metal, »Fireball« immerses the listener in a world where destruction becomes a spectacle.

Blackstaff’s »Wisdom«: A tale of self-acceptance and transformation

»Wisdom«, as previously described, unfolds like a timeless fable. The track portrays the transformative ordeal of a character condemned and remade by dark magic, shunned by his former people and coming to accept and even treasure a life of solitude on the outside.

»L@t« by The Wright Valley Trio:
vD – Guitars, Vocals
Robert – Bass, Synth
Matze – Drums

Recorded between 09/09/21 and 18/09/2021 at Ironbar Studios by Lorenz Blümler
Vocals and synthesizers recorded 01/2023 by Robert Krause
Mixed by Lorenz Blümler, vD and Robert Krause
Mastered by Lorenz Blümler

»Fireball« and »Wisdom« by Blackstaff:
Written/performed by Dustin Cleary
Recorded at Blackstaff Studio in Cle Elum, WA, USA
Mixed by Todd Purnick
Mastered by Derek Mattin

Artwork by Roberto Mulliri

Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well